May lower cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The ability of black pepper extract to lower cholesterol levels has been examined in animals. Rats fed a high-fat diet and a black pepper extract had lower blood cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, in a 42-day trial. The control group did not experience the same impacts.

Furthermore, black pepper and piperine are thought to increase the absorption of dietary supplements with possible cholesterol-lowering properties, such as turmeric and red yeast rice. Black pepper, for example, has been found in studies to boost the absorption of the active component of turmeric, curcumin, by up to 2,000%. More research is needed to discover whether black pepper has any substantial cholesterol-lowering effects in individuals.